Kitchen Operations SpecialistCook

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location:

Lincoln NE

Hiring Rate:

$18.478

Job Posting:

JR2026- Kitchen Operations Specialist/Cook (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:

Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) is a 24-hour state-operated psychiatric hospital that provides specialized inpatient treatment and recovery-focused services for adults experiencing serious mental health conditions. As a secure healthcare facility LRC offers around-the-clock care support and supervision in a structured therapeutic environment. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to promote patient safety recovery skill development and successful community reintegration.

Take Pride in Running the Kitchen

Are you an experienced kitchen professional who enjoys working independently and takes pride in preparing quality meals

Lincoln Regional Center is looking for a dependable Kitchen Operations Specialist/Cook to help keep our kitchen running smoothly. This is more than a cooking positionyoull be responsible for preparing meals maintaining a clean and organized kitchen following food safety standards and ensuring patients receive nutritious high-quality meals.

If youre someone who can step into a kitchen stay organized and confidently manage food preparation from start to finish wed like to hear from you.


Starting Pay: $18.478/hour $3.00/hour Facility Differential Shift Differential for eligible evening hours.

Hours: 10:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday off

Why Join the State of Nebraska
Competitive pay with additional facility and shift differentials.
Stable full-time State employment.
Retirement plan with a 156% match on the first 4.8% you contribute.
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
Comprehensive health benefits.
13 paid holidays.
Generous vacation and sick leave.
Meaningful work that supports the health and well-being of Nebraskans.

What Youll Do

• Prepare cook and serve meals including special diet requirements.
• Independently manage daily kitchen operations during assigned shifts.
• Maintain a clean organized and sanitary kitchen.
• Wash dishes cookware and kitchen equipment.
• Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
• Follow food safety sanitation and infection control procedures.
• Work as part of a supportive team while confidently handling responsibilities with minimal supervision.

Were Looking For Someone Who Has

• Experience preparing meals in a restaurant healthcare school correctional cafeteria or other commercial kitchen.
• Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices.
• The ability to stay organized and prioritize multiple tasks.
• A strong work ethic and dependability.
• Confidence working independently while maintaining quality and efficiency.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Coursework training and/or experience in food preparation baking and/or kitchen operations in the food service industry or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in an institutional kitchen environment such as a hospital behavioral health facility long-term care facility school correctional facility or other large-scale food service operation.
• Experience independently preparing and cooking meals in a commercial kitchen setting.
• Experience with food safety sanitation practices special diets and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

Other: Must be 18 years of age and be able to stand on feet for 4 hours and lift up to 40 pounds. Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Commercial and institutional kitchen operations including food preparation cooking and meal production.
• Food safety sanitation standards and safe food handling practices.
• Preparation methods for meats vegetables soups salads baked goods and special diets.
• Operation cleaning and maintenance of commercial kitchen equipment.
• Proper storage organization and handling of food supplies.

Ability to:

• Independently prepare and cook meals while managing daily kitchen responsibilities.
• Follow recipes menus production schedules and special diet requirements.
• Maintain a clean safe and organized kitchen environment.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely including sharp hot and heavy equipment.
• Prioritize tasks and work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Communicate effectively with patients coworkers and supervisors.
• Work collaboratively as part of a healthcare food service team.

If youre currently employed by the State of Nebraska please dont apply through this external career site. Instead log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: offer a comprehensive package of pay benefits paid time off retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position agency and employment status. For more information on benefits please visit: Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity inclusion and belonging. We recruit hire train and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race color religion sex. age national origin disability marital status or genetics.